Fountain brush with a soap reservoir and valve



J. MORAWSKI FOUNTAIN BRUSH WITH A SOAP RESERVOIR AND VALVE Filed March 25, 1964 3 Sheets-Sheet l Inventor JANUSZ MORAWSK! Sept. 13, 1966 J. MORAWSKI 3,271,809

FOUNTAIN BRUSH WITH'A SOAP RESERVOIR AND VALVE Filed March 23, 1964 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Inventor JA NUSZ MORAWSKI Sept. 13, 1966 J. MORAWSKI 3,271,809

FOUNTAIN BRUSH WITH A SOAP RESERVOIR AND VALVE Filed March 25, 1964 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Inventor JANUSZ MORAWSKI United States Patent M 3,271,869 FOUNTAIN BRUSH WITH A SOAP RESERVOIR AND VALVE Janusz Morawski, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, assignor to Ernest Vincent Matura, barrister-at-law, in trust Filed Mar. 23, 1964, Ser. No. 354,061 14 (Ilaims. (Cl. 15-526) The invention relates to a so-called fountain brush and is a continuation-in-part of the co-pending United States application Serial No. 319,175 filed October 28, 1963, now abandoned, in the name of Janusz Morawski.

The fountain brush typically permits either pure Water or soap and water to be fed to the brush and hence onto the surface to be cleaned, in many cases a car-body or the like. Such fountain brushes in the prior art have suffered from a variety of defects. Thus, some brushes have been capable of feeding the mixture of soap and water only in unsuitable proportions, which in some cases could not be regulated or controlled, which resulted in excessive use of soap or ,in inadequate flow of Water Other such brushes have fed the Water or soap and water mixture to the wrong part of the brush thus leading to waste, and inefiicient cleansing action.

On the other hand such brushes as may have overcome such defects to a greater or lesser extent have usually been of complicated construction which would be uneconomic to manufacture under present day conditions and would be unsuitable for use by unskilled labor, or for domestic uses.

Accordingly, it is an objective of this invention to provide a fountain brush having the foregoing advantages which is of simple and rugged construction and permits a flow of either water, or soap and water mixture, to o flow to the interior of the brush, and is otherwise both convenient and effective to use.

More particularly it is an object of the invention to provide a brush having the foregoing advantages which is of molded plastic construction and capable of inflicting little or no damage on surfaces being cleaned and is at the same time resistant to wear and corrosion.

More particularly it is an object of the invention to provide a brush having the foregoing advantages which incorporates in a single one-piece valve the facility of permitting flow of pure water and at varying rates, per mitting fiow of a mixture of soap and water, and at varying rates, and cutting off flow of both water and soap if desired.

More particularly it is an object of the inventionto provide a brush incorporating a valve of rugged one-piece molded construction and incorporating effective pressure tight sealing in a simple manner.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like references devices refer to like parts thereof throughout the various views and diagrams, and in which:

FIGURE 1 is an exploded perspective view of a fountain brush according to the invention, showing passageways therein in phantom;

FIGURE 2 is a partial top plan in section showing the valve in one position;

FIGURE 3 is a partial top plan in section showing the valve in another position; and

FIGURE 4 is a partial side elevation in section showing the construction of the valve and regulated passageways;

. FIGURE 5 is a perspective view of another preferred form of the invention;

FIGURE 6 is a section along the line 6-6 in FIG- 3,271,899 Patented Sept. 13, 1966 FIGURE 7a is a diagrammatic sectional view of an inoperative position for the valve;

FIGURE 7b is a diagrammatic sectional view of an operative position for the valve, wherein detergent is mixed with water; and

FIGURE 70 is a diagrammatic sectional view of an operative position for the valve, wherein a stream of water only is projected.

From FIGURE 1 the invention will be seen to comprise the body portion ltl of generally hollow circular construction having a handle 11 extending radially from one side thereof and angled relative to the plane of body to facilitate use thereof in cleaning. On the upper side of body 10, wall 12 of cylindrical construction defines well 13 therewithin having a solid, impervious floor 14 at the bottom thereof to retain liquid soap or detergent therein. Lid or cap 15 is provided having an air hole 15a and is threaded internally for threaded engagement of threads 16 on wall 12. On the lower side of body 10, skirt 17 is provided of cylindrical construction which defines a mixing compartment 18 having a substantially circular open mouth defined by rim 19 and provided with a passageway 20 at one side thereof. Brush 21 is fastened in compartment 18 vby resilient bead 23 attached around the upper portion thereof and engaging in groove 24 formed in rim 19 for the purpose, the said open mouth thereof being in fact substantially completely filled by said upper portion of brush 21 in this manner (as shown in FIGURE 4).

Within handle 11, conduit 24 is formed terminating at junction or hose connection 25 at the free end of handle 11. At the inner end of handle 11 conduit 24 merges int-o passageway 26 of reduced cross-section which in turn communicates with the interior of valve recess 27. Recess 27 is of cylindrical shape formed along an axis substantially normal -to the axis of handle 11 and itself communicates at its lower end directly within compartment 18 in skirt 17, through passageway 20.

Recess 27 also makes communication with well 13 through passageway 28 which is located along substantially the same axis as is passageway 26 in handle 11, on opposite sides of recess 27.

Valve member or plug 29- is formed of molded construction and of generally cylindrical section but having a relatively complex profile. Thus, annular upper groove 30 is located around upper portion of valve member 29 for reception of O-ring 31 therein for sealing without restricting movement. A further annular groove 30A is located below upper groove 30 for reception of retaining pins 32 therein which pass through holes 32a in body 10 from the interior of well 13 for this purpose (see FIG- URE 4), while permitting rotation of valve member 29 within recess 27 to achieve selective flow of water, soap and water or to terminate flow of water and soap altogether.

The interior of valve member 29 is hollowed out to provide interior wall 33 defining cavity 34 therein which is open at its lower end to communicate through the lower portion of recess 27 with compartment 18 (see FIG- URE 4).

A plurality of small diameter 'drillings 35 formed on parallel axes are provided in wall 33 extending to the exterior hereof around a chord of about 25 to 30 degrees and oriented to register with passageway 26 when valve member 29 is rotated as aforesaid and establish communication between said passageway 26 and cavity 34 therethrough.

Rubber O-ring 36 is seated in annular groove 37 extending around passageway 26 and makes sealing engagement with valve member 29 around the smooth exterior surface 38 thereof and is resistant to normal pressures developed for example in garden hose lines. Notch 39 is formed in valve member 29 the radial axis of which is spaced from the axes of. drillings 35 by about 150 degrees and in any event rather less than 180 degrees, and itself extends around a chord of about to degrees for purposes to be described below. An additional O-ring 36a may be located in a similar annular groove around pas sageway 28 to seal the same when notch 39 is out of registration therewith.

Conduit 40 extends through valve member 29 between notch 39 and the lower end of said member 29 along an axis parallel to the central axis thereof, interior wall 33 being thickened as at 41 to permit the function of conduit 46 therein. Notch 39 is oriented to register with passageway 28 when valve member 29 is rotated as aforesaid and establish communication between passageway 28, notch 39, conduit 40, and the lower portion of recess 27.

Thumbpiece 4-2 is formed at the upper end of valve member 29 for manual rotation thereof and indications 43 are formed on handle 11 radially around the axis of recess 27 to indicate the position of valve member 29 selected.

In operation a garden hose or the like is connected to hose connection 25, and valve member 29 is rotated until notch 39 is out of registration with passageway 28 and drillings 35 are out of registration with passageway 26, which position may be called the off position. Well 13 is then filled with liquid soap or detergent and cap 15 is screwed in place and the garden hose may be switched on permitting water to flow therealong and at least partially into conduit 24 and passageway 26, the air pressure therein restricting complete filling thereof to a greater or lesser extent.

In order to wash a car body of the like valve member 29 may then be rotated until notch 39 is in partial registration with passageway 28 and drillings 35 are in partial registration with passageway 26 as shown in FIGURE 2 thus establishing flow of water from conduit 24 through passageway 26, and through some, but not all, of drillings 35 into cavity 34 and thence through the lower portion of recess 27 into passageway 26 and compartment 18. Simultaneously liquid soap or detergent will be permitted to flow under gravity through passageway 28, notch 39, conduit 40, and thence into the lower portion of recess 27 int-o passageway 20 and compartment 18. Such flow simultaneously will procure substantially immediate rnixing of soap and water which will then flow into brush 21. When the surface is thoroughly soaped the valve 29 can then be rotated until drillings 35 are, for example, all in registration with passageway 26 and notch 39 is out of registration with passageway 28 as shown in FIGURE 3 in which position, flow of soap is prevented and flow of water will continue unrestricted permitting rinsing off of soap from the surface as desired, flow of water being controllable by rotation of valve member 29 in a direction to bring some of drillings 35 out of registration with passageway 26, while notch 39 is moved further from passageway 28.

After use, cleaning of the instant fountain brush is a relatively simple operation since well 13 can be rinsed and wiped out and brush 21 can be snapped out of engagement with skirt 17 for the same purpose. In the event that the sealing around valve member 29 becomes impaired this may easily be removed by extracting pins 32, and then O-rings 31 and 36 may readily be replaced. Regulation of flow of soap and water mixture, and of water alone may be achieved during use by varying the position of valve member 29. While valve member 29 is in the approximate position of FIGURE 2 a considerable range of movement is permissible to achieve regulation of water flow Without affecting the flow of soap, since the arc defined by notch 39 is substantially greater than the diameter of conduit 49, thus permitting even flow of soap in various positions. Drillings 35 on the other hand will be either opened or closed by a very small movement of valve member 29 thus permitting fine regulation of water flow. In addition, drillings 35 are of particular utility in association with a valve member 29 of molded plastic construction where the provision of adequate strength in a valve member of this type would present problems if drillings were replaced by a single, large-diameter opening as usually found in such devices. Furthermore, the use of drillings 35 renders possible the sealing around passageway 26 by means of O-ring 36 since the valve member 29 presents a substantially smooth exterior surface for engagement thereby thus preventing it from becoming accidentally dislodged during rotation thereof, O-ring 36 being very substantially larger than any one drilling 35, and preferably at least twice the diameter thereof to ensure satisfactory performance this way. Similarly, O-ring 36a being annular will overlap both sides of notch 39 and will in fact remain in position undisturbed by rotation of valve member 29.

With reference to FIGURE 5 a second preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated and indicated generally as 44. A fountain brush 44 comprises a body member 45 provided with a handle 46 extending from one side thereof, and a skirt member 47 extending below the body member 45 about the periphery thereof.

Body member 45 defines a detergent well indicated as 48 and a valve recess indicated as 49, valve recess 49 being provided with a valve member 50.

As before water flows into a fitting 51 into handle 46 and then to the valve member 5t} and out through the brush 52. Control of the water flowing through the fountain brush is determined by the valve member 50, the position of the valve member being determined by the index marks .53.

With reference to FIGURE 6 a part sectional view of the embodiment as illustrated in FIGURE 5 is shown and discloses more detail of the interior portions of the device. Detergent well 48 is provided with a removable cap 54 which for the sake of clarity is not shown in FIGURE 5. The brush 52 comprises a bristle plate 55 provided with a plurality of bristles 56 secured into the plate to form the brush. The brush 52 is removably secured to the skirt 47 by means of an outer flange 57 provided with circular rings 58 which are adapted to mate with similar indentations in the skirt 47. The holes 59 in the bristle plate 55 allow the water from within the chamber 60 to pass out in a position between the bristles 56.

Valve member 50 is rotatably supported in the valve recess 49 and is provided with a thumb piece 61 whereby different positions of the valve 56 may be manually selected. The O-ring 62 seals off the egress of water from the valve recess 49 and also aids in maintaining the position of the valve member 50 within the recess 49 by means of the friction between the valve member 50 and the side of the recess 49.

With reference to FIGURES 7a, 7b, and 7c the various positions of the valve member 50 are shown diagrammatically wherein the position as shown in 7a is the off position, the position shown in 7b is the detergent and Water position, and the position as shown in 7c is the water on only position. Valve member 50 is provided with a central bore 63 defined by the wall 64 of the valve member 50.

A first hole 65 is formed through the wall 64 and a passageway indicated as 66 is formed through the wall 64 in a position diametrically opposite the first hole 65. A tapered slot 67 is formed through the wall 64 in a posi tion offset from the first hole 65.

In the position as is shown in 7a, the valve member 50 seals off the passageway 68 which is in communication with the interior 69 of the handle 46 and seals off the port 70 which is in communication with the interior of the detergent Well 48. Thus, from this position the water does not pass through the device and the detergent is maintained within the well 48.

With reference to FIGURE 7b the valve member 50 has been rotated whereby the first hole 65 is in registration with the passage 68 and the passageway 66 is in registration with the exit port '70. In this position water flows through the hole 65 into the interior bore 63 of the valve member 50. It will be seen that the comparatively small diameter of the hole 65 causes the water to pass into the bore 53 at comparatively high speed whereby a violent agitation of the water rebounding from the walls of the bore 53 is obtained. This is illustrated diagrammatically in FIGURE 6 by the arrow 71.

It will be seen that the detergent emanating from the passageway 66 will be struck violently by the water as it passes thereby, the detergent thus being broken into tiny drops and well mixed with the water. The mixed water and detergent then fiows gently from the holes 55 interspaced amongst the bristles 56 of the brush 52. The action of the water flowing through the holes 59 is quite gentle since the combined diameter of the holes 59 is substantially larger than the single diameter of the hole 65.

With reference to FIGURE 70 the valve member 50 is positioned whereby the tapered slot 67 is in registration with the passage 68 and water flows into the bore 63. In this postion the passage 70 is sealed off by the side of the valve member 50 whereby no detergent will flow. The comparatively large combined area of the tapered slot 67 causes a massive flow of water into the brush which projects a large stream of water from the holes 59, the brush thus being rinsed by the stream of water. It will be seen that the valve member 50 may be rotated so that only a portion of the tapered slot 67 is in registration with the passageway 68 whereby more or less Water may be caused to flow through the fountain brush.

During rotation of the valve member 50 the water flow from the passageway 68 is contained by means of the O-ring 72 which is provided within a recess 73 located about the passageway 68. In this embodiment it is preferable to form a ridge 74 about the passageway 68 whereby the O-ring 72 is maintained in position as the valve member 50 is rotated.

In operation the fountain brush 44 may be provided with detergent 75 in the well 48 and Water may be supplied by a hose connected to the fitting 51. By manipulating the valve member 50 into the three positions as shown in FIGURES 7a, 7b, and 70 a selection of water, water with detergent, and off positions may be had. During the washing position as indicated in FIGURE 7b water will flow through the device at a gentle rate and the detergent 75 will be thoroughly mixed with the water within the chamber 60. The flow of detergent from the chamber 75 may be stopped momentarily by placing one thumb or finger over the hole 76 in the cap 54. If however, it is desired to stop the flow of detergent altogether, the valve member 50 may be rotated whereby only water flows through the device, this position being shown in FIGURE 7c. In this position a heavy flow of water is caused to pass through the device whereby a long stream issues from each one of the holes 59, this type of flow being found quite useful for flushing the surface that has just been scrubbed.

Further detergent may be added into the well 48 by simply removing the cap 54. Also cap 54 may be removed as can the valve member 50 and the brush 52, in order that the device may be cleaned.

The foregoing is a description of a preferred embodiment of the invention and is here made by way of example only. It is not intended to thereby limit the scope of the invention to any of the specific steps described and the invention comprehends all such variations as come within the spirit and scope of the claims herein.

What I claim is:

1. A fountain brush device for use in Washing with water and with mixtures of soap and water and comprising: a body portion defining a soap well therewithin and including a skirt with a brush secured therebelow to define a mixing compartment, said brush defining egress from said compartment; a handle secured to said body to define a first conduit along the length thereof said first conduit v 6 being in communication with a valve recess defined by said handle by means of a first passageway of reduced cross-section, said valve recess communicating with said mixing compartment and said body defining a second passageway to provide communication from said well to said valve recess; a valve member rotatably located within said valve recess to project thereabove; an interior wall within said valve member to define a cavity therewithin in communication with said mixing compartment, said valve member defining a plurality of comparatively small diameter holes to register with said passageway in said handle to provide communication between said first conduit and said cavity upon said valve member being rotated; and, a portion of said valve member defining a second conduit in communication with said compartment to register with said second passageway, said second conduit being spaced circumferentially from said plurality of holes an amount less than degrees, whereby upon said second conduit being in registration with said second passageway and said soap thereby passing through, said first passageway will be in partial registration with said plurality of holes, thereby to reduce flow of water therethrough.

2. A fountain brush device for use in washing with water and with mixtures of soap and water and comprising: a body portion defining a soap well therewithin and including a skirt with a brush secured therebelow to define a mixing compartment, said brush defining egress from said compartment; a handle secured to said body to define a first conduit along the length thereof said first conduit being in communication with a valve recess defined by said handle by means of a first passageway of reduced cross-section, said valve recess communicating with said mixing compartment and said body defining a second passageway to provide communication from said well to said valve recess; a valve member rotatably located within said valve recess to project thereabove; a first portion of said valve member defining a plurality of holes to register with said first passageway and said compartment upon said valve member being rotated, said water thereby flowing through; and, a portion of said valve member defining a second conduit in communication with said compartment to register with said second passageway, said second conduit being spaced circumferentially from said plurality of holes an amount less than 180 degrees, whereby upon said second conduit being in registration with said second passageway and said soap thereby passing through, said first passageway will be in partial registration with said plurality of holes, thereby to reduce fiow of water therethrough.

3. A fountain brush device for use in (washing with water and with mixtures of soap and water and comprising: a body portion defining a well for soap; a skirt secured to said body portion to define a mixing compartment; a brush removably secured subjacent to said skirt portion, and defining egress from said mixing compartment; a handle secured to said body and including means for securing a water supply thereto, said handle defining a valve recess therein, and a first passageway in communication with said recess, said body defining a second passageway between said well and said recess, a first conduit providing communication from said water supply to said first passageway; a valve member rotatably located within said valve recess to project thereabove; a first portion of said valve member defining a plurality of holes to register with said first passageway and providing communication with said compartment upon said valve member being rotated, said water thereby flowing through; and, a portion of said valve member defining a second conduit in communication with said compartment to register with said second passageway, said second conduit being spaced circumferentially from said plurality of holes an amount less than 180 degrees, whereby upon said second conduit being in registrationwith said second passageway and said soap thereby passing through, said first passageway will be in partial registration with said plurality of holes, thereby to reduce flow of water therethrough.

4. A fountain brush device for use in washing with water and with mixtures of soap and water and comprising: a body portion defining a well for soap; a skirt secured to said body portion to define a mixing compartment; a brush removably secured subjacent to said skirt portion, and defining egress from said mixing compartment; a handle secured to said body and including means for securing a water supply thereto, said handle defining a valve recess therein, and a first passageway in communication with said recess, said body defining a second passageway between said well and said recess, a first conduit providing communication from said water supply to said first passageway; a valve member rotatably located within said valve recess to project thereabove; a first portion of said valve member defining a plurality of holes to register with said first passageway and providing communication with said compartment upon said valve member being rotated, said water there by flowing through; a portion of said valve member defining a second conduit in communication with said compartment to register with said second passageway, said second conduit being spaced circumferentially from said plurality of holes an amount less than 180 degrees, whereby upon said second conduit being in registration with said second passageway and said soap thereby passing through, said first passageway will be in partial registration with said plurality of holes, thereby to reduce fiow of water therethrough; and, means sealing about each said passageways to contain liquids therewithin.

5. A fountain brush device for use in washing with water and with mixtures of soap and water and comprising: a body portion defining a well for soap; a skirt secured to said body portion to define a mixing compartment; a brush removably secured subjacent to said skirt portion, and defining egress from said mixing compartment; a handle secured to said body to define a first conduit along the length thereof said first conduit being in communication with a valve recess defined by said handle by means of a first passageway of reduced cross-section, said valve recess communicating with said mixing compartment and said body defining a second passageway to provide communication from said well to said valve recess; a valve member rotatably located within said valve recess to project thereabove; a first portion of said valve member defining a plurality of holes to register with said first passageway and providing communication with said compartment upon said valve member being rotated, said water thereby flowing through; and, a portion of said valve member defining a second conduit in communication with said compartment to register with said second passageway, said second conduit being spaced circumferentially from said plurality of holes an amount less than 180 degrees, whereby upon said second conduit being in registration with said second passageway and said soap thereby passing through, said first passageway Will be in partial registration with said plurality of holes, thereby to reduce fiow of water therethrough.

6. A fountain brush device for use in washing with water and with mixtures of soap and Water and comprising: a body portion defining a well for soap; a skirt secured to said body portion to define a mixing compartment; a brush removably secured subjacent to said skirt portion, and defining egress from said mixing comp-artment; a handle secured to said body to define a first conduit along the length thereof said first conduit being in communication with a valve recess defined by said handle by means of a first passageway of reduced crosssection, said valve recess communicating with said mixing compartment and said body defining a second passageway to provide communication from said well to said valve recess; a valve member rotatably located within said valve recess to project thereabove; an interior wall within said valve member to define a cavity therewithin in communication with said mixing compartment, said valve member defining a plurality of comparatively small diameter holes to register with said passageway in said handle to provide communication between said first conduit and said cavity upon said valve member being rotated; and, a portion of said valve member defining a second conduit in communication with said compartment to register with said second passageway, said second conduit being spaced circumferentially from said plurality of holes an amount less than degrees, whereby upon said second conduit being in registration with said second passageway and said soap thereby passing through, said first passageway will be in partial registration with said plurality of holes, thereby to reduce flow of water therethrough.

7. A fountain brush device for use in washing with water and with mixtures of soap and water and comprising: a body portion defining a well for soap; a skirt secured to said body portion to define a mixing compartment; a brush removably secured subjacent to said skirt portion, and defining egress from said mixing compartment; a handle secured to said body to define a first conduit along the length thereof, said first conduit being in communication with a valve recess defined by said handle by means of a first passageway of reduced crosssection, said valve recess communicating with said mixing compartment and said body defining a second passageway to provide communication from said well to said valve recess; a valve member rotatably located within said valve recess to project thereabove; a rotating seal between said valve member and said recess adjacent the projecting end of said valve member; an interior wall within said valve member to define a cavity therewithin in communication with said mixing compartment, said valve member defining a plurality of comparatively small diameter holes to register with said passageway in said handle to provide communication between said first conduit and said cavity upon said valve member being rotated; and, a portion of said valve member defining a second conduit in communication with said compartment to register with said second passageway, said second conduit being spaced circumferentially from said plurality of holes an amount less than 180 degrees, whereby upon said second conduit being in registration with said second passageway and said soap thereby passing through, said first passageway will be in partial registration with said plurality of holes, thereby to reduce flow of water therethrough.

8. A fountain brush device for use in washing with water and with mixtures of soap and water and comprising: a body portion defining a well for soap; a skirt secured to said body portion to define a mixing compartment; a brush removably secured subjacent to said skirt portion, and defining egress from said mixing compartment; a handle secured to said body to define a first conduit along the length thereof said first conduit being in communication with a valve recess defined by said handle by means of a first passageway of reduced crosssection, said valve recess communicating with said mixing compartment and said body defining a second passageway to provide communication from said well to said valve recess; a valve member rotatably located within said valve recess to project there-above; a rotating seal between said valve member and said recess adjacent the projecting end of said valve member; means for retaining said valve member rotatably within said recess; an interior wall within said valve member to define a cavity therewithin in communication with said mixing compartment, said valve member defining a plurality of comparatively small diameter holes to register with said passageway in said handle to provide communication between said first conduit and said cavity upon said valve member being rotated; and, a portion of said valve member defining a second conduit in communication with said compartment to register with said second passageway, said second conduit being spaced circumferentially from said plurality of holes an amount less than 180 degrees, whereby upon said second conduit being in registration with said second passageway and said soap thereby passing through, said firs-t passageway will be in partial registration with said plurality of holes, thereby to reduce flow of water therethrough.

9. A fountain brush device for use in washing with water and with mixtures of soap and water and comprising: a body portion defining a well for soap; a skirt secured to said body portion to define a mixing compartment; a brush removably secured subjacent to said skirt portion, and defining egress from said mixing compartment; a handle secured to said body to define a first conduit along the length thereof said first conduit being in communication with a valve recess defined by said handle by means of a first passageway of reduced cross-section, said valve recess communicating with said mixing compartment and said body defining a second passageway to provide communication from said well to said valve recess; a valve member rotatably located within said valve recess to project thereabove; a rotating seal between said valve member and said recess adjacent the projecting end of said valve member; means for retaining said valve member rotatably within said recess; and interior wall within said valve member to define a cavity therewithin in communication with said mixing compartment, said valve member defining a plurality of comparatively small diameter holes to register with said passageway in said handle to provide communication between said first conduit and said cavity upon said valve member being rotated; a portion of said valve member defining a second conduit in communication with said compartment to register with said second passageway, said second conduit being spaced circumferentially from said plurality of holes an amount less than 180 degrees whereby upon said second conduit being in registration with said second passageway and said soap thereby passing through, said first passageway will be in partial registration with said plurality of holes, thereby to reduce flow of water therethrough; and, an O-ring sealably located about each said passageway.

10. A fountain device comprising a body portion defining a detergent well adapted to hold liquid detergent therein, a valve recess and a mixing compartment having an egress therefrom, said valve recess communicating with said mixing compartment and being connected to said detergent well through a port;

a handle portion comprising conduit means tnerein for conveying water to said valve recess; and

a valve member rotatably positioned within said valve recess, said valve member comprising a hollow portion communicating with said mixing compartment, a plurality of holes adapted to register with said conduit but not with said port, said holes being adapted to pass water from said conduit to said hollow portion, and a passage to said mixing compartment independent of said hollow portion and adapted to register with said port when a first one of said holes is in registration with said conduit but not when a second one of said holes is in registration with said conduit, whereby liquid detergent flows from said well through said passage to said mixing compartment by the action of gravity and mixes with water in said mixing compartment when said first one of said holes is in registration with said conduit, but does not flow from said well when said second one of said holes is in registration with said conduit.

11. A fountain device as claimed in claim 10, in which said plurality of holes is two holes, said first one of said holes being formed of small circular cross section and said second one of said holes being formed as a slot tapering towards the interior of said hollow portion and having a cross section larger than that of said first hole.

12. A fountain device as claimed in claim 10, additionally comprising a brush, said brush defining egress from said mixing compartment.

13. A fountain device as claimed in claim 12, additionally comprising a resilient seal between said valve member and said recess, thereby to prevent escape of water therebe-tween.

14. A fountain device as claimed in claim 10, additionally comprising air inlet means into the upper portion of said detergent well.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,532,809 4/1925 Girard 239-312 2,613,381 10/1952 Tucker 15-527 FOREIGN PATENTS 793,119 4/ 1958 Great Britain.

CHARLES A. WILLMUTH, Primary Examiner.

P. R. ARVIDSON, Assistant Examiner. 

1. A FOUNTAIN BRUSH DEVICE FOR USE IN WASHING WITH WATER AND WITH MIXTURES OF SOAP AND WATER AND COMPRISING: A BODY PORTION DEFINING A SOAP WELL THEREWITHIN AND INCLUDING A SKIRT WITH A BRUSH SECURED THEREBELOW TO DEFINE A MIXING COMPARTMENT, SAID BRUSH DEFINING EGRESS FROM SAID COMPARTMENT; A HANDLE SECURED TO SAID BODY TO DEFINE A FIRST CONDUIT ALONG THE LENGTH THEREOF SAID FIRST CONDUIT BEING IN COMMUNICATION WITH A VALVE RECESS DEFINED BY SAID HANDLE BY MEANS OF A FIRST PASSAGEWAY OF REDUCED CROSS-SECTION, SAID VALVE RECESS COMMUNICATING WITH SAID MIXING COMPARTMENT AND SAID BODY DEFINING A SECOND PASSAGEWAY TO PROVIDE COMMUNICATION FROM SAID WELL TO SAID VALVE RECESS; A VALVE MEMBER ROTATABLY LOCATED WITHIN SAID VALVE RECESS TO PROJECT THEREABOVE; AN INTERIOR WALL WITHIN SAID VALVE MEMBER TO DEFINE A CAVITY THEREWITHIN IN COMMUNICATION WITH SAID MIXING COMPARTMENT, SAID VALVE MEMBER DEFINING A PLURALITY OF COMPARATIVELY SMALL DIAMETER HOLES TO REGISTER WITH SAID PASSAGEWAY IN SAID HANDLE TO PROVIDE COMMUNICATION BETWEEN SAID FIRST CONDUIT AND SAID CAVITY UPON SAID VALVE MEMBER BEING ROTATED; AND, A PORTION OF SAID VALVE MEMBER DEFINING A SECOND CONDUIT IN COMMUNICATION WITH SAID COMPARTMENT TO REGISTER WITH SAID SECOND PASSAGEWAY, SAID SECOND CONDUIT BEING SPACED CIRCUMFERENTIALLY FROM SAID PLURALITY OF HOLES AN AMOUNT LESS THAN 180 DEGREES, WHEREBY UPON SAID SECOND CONDUIT BEING IN REGISTRATION WITH SAID SECOND PASSAGEWAY AND SAID SOAP THEREBY PASSING THROUGH, SAID FIRST PASSAGEWAY WILL BE IN PARTIAL REGISTRATION WITH SAID PLURALITY OF HOLES, THEREBY TO REDUCE FLOW OF WATER THERETHROUGH. 